Mahindra & Mahindra, the homegrown UV maker will launch an all-new SUV, Mahindra XUV700 in the third quarter of 2021. Codenamed W601, the new SUV will be positioned above the existing XUV500 and will be offered in 6-and 7-seat layouts.
Mahindra has confirmed via a social media post that the existing Mahindra XUV500 will be ‘temporarily’ discontinued upon the launch of the XUV700. The XUV500 nameplate will be re-introduced with an all-new 5-seater SUV. This model will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and the MG Hector.
The next-gen Mahindra XUV700 will rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus. The new model will be based on the new front-wheel-drive monocoque platform, which will also underpin the new XUV500. The new Mahindra XUV500 will be smaller than the existing model, and is expected to measure around 4.5 meters in length.
The new Mahindra XUV500 is expected to receive some design changes, which will make it look different from the bigger sibling. It is likely to be offered with the same 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines that power the XUV700; however, these engines will be de-tuned for lesser power. While the XUV700 will come with an optional AWD system, the 5-seater XUV500 is likely to come with a front-wheel-drive SUV.
The new XUV500 could also feature the brand’s new 1.5-litre mStallion turbocharged petrol engine, which will debut on the Marazzo MPV. This engine can produce up to 163bhp and close to 250Nm of torque. The SUV will share most of the features with the bigger XUV700; however, it will miss out on premium features including the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).
